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Health Promotion and Obesity in the Arab Gulf States: Challenges and Good Practices.
Samara, A, Andersen, PT, Aro, AR
Journal of obesity. 2019;:4756260
Abstract
This debate paper focuses on available strategies, policies, and challenges of health promotion for combating obesity in the Arab Gulf states (Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar). The paper focuses on the abovementioned countries due to their similarity on many aspects and because of their alarming obesity rates that are on the rise and keep increasing. The paper argues that there are significant efforts to be made in sectors such as policies, intersectoral work, primary healthcare, health promotion strategies development, and qualified personnel for health promotion and health education. Among the six states, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, and to a degree Oman have shown some development with regard to the implementation and evaluation of obesity-related health promotion policies, and thus other Arab Gulf countries could be inspired by existing good practices and move from good intentions to using their available wealth to invest in the implementation and evaluation of published policies and strategies. All Arab Gulf countries are in need of more qualified personnel and the development of infrastructure that can help tackle the growing obesity challenge that such countries are experiencing.
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Clinically Relevant Drug-Drug Interactions in Primary Care.
Carpenter, M, Berry, H, Pelletier, AL
American family physician. 2019;(9):558-564
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Abstract
Drug interactions are common in the primary care setting and are usually predictable. Identifying the most important and clinically relevant drug interactions in primary care is essential to patient safety. Strategies for reducing the risk of drug-drug interactions include minimizing the number of drugs prescribed, re-evaluating therapy on a regular basis, considering nonpharmacologic options, monitoring for signs and symptoms of toxicity or effectiveness, adjusting dosages of medications when indicated, and adjusting administration times. Inhibition or induction of cytochrome P450 drug metabolizing isoenzymes is the most common mechanism by which clinically important drug interactions occur. The antimicrobials most likely to affect the international normalized ratio significantly in patients receiving warfarin are trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, metronidazole, and fluconazole. An empiric warfarin dosage reduction of 30% to 50% upon initiation of amiodarone therapy is recommended. In patients receiving amiodarone, limit dosages of simvastatin to 20 mg per day and lovastatin to 40 mg per day. Beta blockers should be tapered and discontinued several days before clonidine withdrawal to reduce the risk of rebound hypertension. Spironolactone dosages should be limited to 25 mg daily when coadministered with potassium supplements. Avoid prescribing opioid cough medicines for patients receiving benzodiazepines or other central nervous system depressants, including alcohol. Physicians should consider consultation with a clinical pharmacist when clinical circumstances require the use of drugs with interaction potential.
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Top studies relevant to primary care from 2018: From PEER.
Perry, D, Moe, S, Korownyk, C, Lindblad, AJ, Kolber, MR, Thomas, B, Ton, J, Garrison, S, Allan, GM
Canadian family physician Medecin de famille canadien. 2019;(4):260-263
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To summarize high-quality studies for 10 topics from 2018 that have strong relevance to primary care practice. QUALITY OF EVIDENCE Study selection involved routine literature surveillance by a group of primary care health professionals. This included screening abstracts of important journals and Evidence Alerts, as well as searching ACP Journal Club. MAIN MESSAGE Topics of the 2018 articles include whether low-dose acetylsalicylic acid improves health outcomes like cardiovascular disease (CVD); whether a low-carbohydrate diet is better than a low-fat diet for weight loss (and whether genetics matter); whether vaginal estradiol is superior to placebo for vulvovaginal symptoms of menopause; whether opioid management is better than nonopioid management for chronic back or osteoarthritis pain; whether additional water intake will decrease recurrent urinary tract infections; whether omega-3 fatty acids prevent CVD or reduce dry eyes; whether the new drug icosapent improves CVD; whether bath additives help eczema; whether acetaminophen can prevent recurrent febrile seizures; and recommendations for glycemic targets in diabetes based on reviews of evidence and other guidelines. Five "runner-up" studies are also briefly reviewed. CONCLUSION Research from 2018 produced several high-quality studies in CVD but also spanned the breadth of primary care including pediatrics, women's health, and pain management, among other areas.
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Barriers to the Implementation of Pediatric Overweight and Obesity Guidelines in a School-Based Health Center.
Yeager, LJ, Karp, SM, Leming-Lee, T'
The Nursing clinics of North America. 2019;(1):159-168
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This project applied a quality improvement design to assess perceived barriers to pediatric overweight and obesity guideline implementation in school-based health centers. An electronic survey was administered to nurse practitioners and licensed practical nurses working in school-based health centers in New York. The most commonly cited primary care-based barriers were lack of patient compliance, family lifestyle, and the poor dietary practices and sedentary behaviors common in America. The most commonly cited school-based barriers were that children have little control over the groceries purchased and foods cooked at home and the lack of parent presence during appointments.
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Population Approaches Targeting Metabolic Syndrome Focusing on Japanese Trials.
Nishizawa, H, Shimomura, I
Nutrients. 2019;(6)
Abstract
The clinical importance of assessment of metabolic syndrome lies in the selection of individuals with multiple risk factors based on visceral fat accumulation, and helping them to reduce visceral fat. Behavioral modification by population approach is important, which adds support to the personal approach. The complexity of visceral fat accumulation requires multicomponent and multilevel intervention. Preparation of food and physical environments could be useful strategies for city planners. Furthermore, actions on various frameworks, including organizational, community, and policy levels, have been recently reported. There are universal public health screening programs and post-screening health educational systems in Japan, and diseases management programs in Germany. Understanding one's own health status is important for motivation for lifestyle modification. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that primary care practitioners screen all adults for obesity and offer behavioral interventions and intensive counseling. Established evidence-based guidelines for behavioral counseling are needed within the primary care setting.
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Primary care implications of the British Thoracic Society Guidelines for bronchiectasis in adults 2019.
Gruffydd-Jones, K, Keeley, D, Knowles, V, Recabarren, X, Woodward, A, Sullivan, AL, Loebinger, MR, Payne, K, Harvey, A, Grillo, L, et al
NPJ primary care respiratory medicine. 2019;(1):24
Abstract
The British Thoracic Society (BTS) Guidelines for Bronchiectasis in adults were published in January 2019, and comprise recommendations for treatment from primary to tertiary care. Here, we outline the practical implications of these guidelines for primary care practitioners. A diagnosis of bronchiectasis should be considered when a patient presents with a recurrent or persistent (>8 weeks) productive cough. A definitive diagnosis is made by using thin-section chest computed tomography (CT). Once diagnosed, patients should be initially assessed by a specialist respiratory team and a shared management plan formulated with the patient, the specialist and primary care teams. The cornerstone of primary care management is physiotherapy to improve airway sputum clearance and maximise exercise capacity, with prompt treatment of acute exacerbations with antibiotics.
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Childhood Obesity in the State of Missouri: A Review for Providers to Counsel and Treat Patients.
Hasnie, U, Lindquist, M, Sweeney, B, Hampl, S, Drees, BM
Missouri medicine. 2019;(5):409-413
Abstract
Childhood obesity is a common disease both nationally and in the state of Missouri. Obesity in childhood is often under-recognized and is difficult to treat. Screening, accurate diagnosis, and counseling is imperative to proper management. Common barriers to treatment include a lack of accurate identification and a lack of awareness of needed and available treatments of this disease in the pediatric setting. This review article highlights behavioral measures as well as pharmacologic and surgical therapies for obesity in children. This review is intended as guidance for providers to properly counsel and treat patients with this disease.
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Dental Problems in Primary Care.
Stephens, MB, Wiedemer, JP, Kushner, GM
American family physician. 2018;(11):654-660
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Abstract
Oral health directly affects overall health and quality of life. More Americans lack dental insurance than medical insurance. Patients with poor oral health are more likely to have respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, adverse pregnancy outcomes, and diabetes mellitus. Early childhood caries is the most common chronic condition in American children. Certain illicit and prescription drugs increase the risk of enamel erosion and caries formation in adults. Incision and drainage is the treatment of choice for dental abscess. Risk factors for periodontal disease include smoking, diabetes, human immunodeficiency virus infection, use of certain medications, and genetic susceptibility. Patients with gingivitis typically present with swollen, erythematous gum tissue that bleeds easily with brushing or flossing. One in three children will have an injury to the primary teeth, and one in five 12-year-old children will have an injury to the permanent teeth. All dental fractures should be evaluated with imaging and managed in conjunction with a dental professional. Immediate reimplantation is the preferred treatment for avulsed permanent teeth. Primary care clinicians are well positioned to reduce rates of oral disease. Family physicians can incorporate oral health into routine practice through counseling about diet, oral hygiene, smoking cessation, and fluoride supplementation; application of fluoride varnish; and screening for dental disease.
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Screening for familial hypercholesterolaemia in primary care: Time for general practice to play its part.
Brett, T, Qureshi, N, Gidding, S, Watts, GF
Atherosclerosis. 2018;:399-406
Abstract
Fifty per cent of first-degree relatives of index cases with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) inherit the disorder. Despite cascade screening being the most cost-effective method for detecting new cases, only a minority of individuals with FH are currently identified. Primary care is a key target area to increase identification of new index cases and initiate cascade screening, thereby finding close relatives of all probands. Increasing public and health professional awareness about FH is essential. In the United Kingdom and in Australia, most of the population are reviewed by a General Practitioner (GP) at least once over a three-year period, offering opportunities to check for FH as part of routine clinical consultations. Such opportunistic approaches can be supplemented by systematically searching electronic health records with information technology tools that identify high risk patients. GPs can help investigate and implement results of this data retrieval. Current evidence suggests that early detection of FH and cascade testing meet most of the criteria for a worthwhile screening program. Among heterozygous patients the long latent period before the expected onset of coronary artery disease provides an opportunity for initiating effective drug and lifestyle changes. The greatest challenge for primary care is to implement an efficacious model of care that incorporates sustainable identification and management pathways.
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Management of bone health in patients with celiac disease: Practical guide for clinicians.
Duerksen, D, Pinto-Sanchez, MI, Anca, A, Schnetzler, J, Case, S, Zelin, J, Smallwood, A, Turner, J, VerdĂș, E, Butzner, JD, et al
Canadian family physician Medecin de famille canadien. 2018;(6):433-438
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe clinical issues related to bone health in patients with celiac disease (CD) and to provide guidance on monitoring bone health in these patients. SOURCES OF INFORMATION A PubMed search was conducted to review literature relevant to CD and bone health, including guidelines published by professional gastroenterological organizations. MAIN MESSAGE Bone health can be negatively affected in both adults and children with CD owing to the inflammatory process and malabsorption of calcium and vitamin D. Most adults with symptomatic CD at diagnosis have low bone mass. Bone mineral density should be tested at diagnosis and at follow-up, especially in adult patients. Vitamin D levels should be measured at diagnosis and annually until they are normal. In addition to a strict gluten-free diet, supplementation with calcium and vitamin D should be provided and weight-bearing exercises encouraged. CONCLUSION Bone health can be adversely affected in patients with CD. These patients require adequate calcium and vitamin D supplementation, as well as monitoring of vitamin D levels and bone mineral density with regular follow-up to help prevent osteoporosis and fractures.